Bobby Pruitt (2023)
Beebe HS, UA Fayetteville
Bobby was a three-sport letterman at Beebe HS from 1964-1967. While in high school, Bobby placed first in he State Cross Country Meet as a sophomore in 1964, as a junior in 1965, and again as a senior in 1966, leading Beebe to the state championship. In outdoor track, Bobby finished first at the state track meet in the 1600 meters in 1965. In 1966, he finished second in the 1600 meters at the state meet and Meet of Champs. As a senior in 1967, he finished first in the 800 meters and 1600 meters at the state meet and Meet of Champs. Bobby has held the Beebe High School records for the 800 meters with a time of 1:58 as well as the 1600 meters with a time of 4:19.5 for 54 years. He was awarded the BHS James Hugh Garrett Award for the best all -around athlete and Class A State Track Athlete of the year in 1967. Following high school, Bobby attended the UA Fayetteville where he also ran track and cross country. As a varsity runner for the Razorbacks, Bobby held the cross county record of 14:26.0, the 1600 meter record of 4:07.2, and the 3200 meter relay record of 7:33.0. Bobby served as the team captain as a junior and senior. He led the Razorbacks in every regular season cross county meet as a sophomore, junior and senior. He led the state of Arkansas in the 1600 meters as a junior and senior. As a senior in 1971, Bobby was named Razorback Track Athlete of the Year. Upon graduating from the UA in 1971, Bobby was a teacher, coach and administrator at Jacksonville High School for 34 years. He led the Red Devils to a state championship in track in 1982. In 1983, he led the Red Devil track team to a conference championship, and they were runner up at the state meet. Bobby currently lives in Beebe and is often seen walking his dogs around the neighborhood. He has played softball for the past 52 years and is a basketball referee for the AOA. |